Marnino Toussaint

Photo Courtesy of Marnino Toussaint

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE? 
Currently, I reside in Miramar, Florida. I was born and raised in this city as well.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN?
I think the best thing about my city is the people’s undying will to succeed. South Florida is not known for anything but retirement but in actuality, South Florida has so much amazing talent of every kind that goes unrecognized. I think the people here are so driven to prove that there is much more to this space then old folks who have moved on from their careers.

WHAT WERE YOUR INFANT ASPIRATIONS?
I actually grew up wanting to be a comedian. Ha! The funny thing is, I’m bad at planned humor and sometimes come off corny. After that phase, I wanted to be an actor and I spent many years training and working on that craft. My parents really believed in my acting and wanted that career for me probably more than I did. I still have a passion for acting and I do it for fun every now and then when I have time.
 
WHAT HAS BEEN A SEMINAL EXPERIENCE?
Difficult question, I believe that each moment is important in its own light. However, I would have to say that the first poetry slam I ever participated in (which also happens to be the first one I won) would be that for me. Not only did that moment introduce me to a gift that I now use to make a living but also taught me confidence, strength, love for myself and others, and most importantly showed me how to touch other people’s hearts.

WHY MUSIC?

Music feeds my spirit. To be able to create is the God in us. When I write, and record a song, I literally feel a peace fall over me that’s unexplainable. When I create, I feel like I am the most me I am at any point. I can go on for days.

HOW WOULD YOU CLASSIFY YOUR SOUND?
A fusion of Hip-hop and R&B. However, I love to experiment with music. If I were to release a country music album, I wouldn’t be surprised.

WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE THROUGH YOUR LYRICS?
In my most recent project, "Something About Now", love, friendship, betrayal, discrimination and faith were all important themes. I don’t believe I pursue any themes in particular, but I do allow my music to serve as a voice for situations that don’t get its proper light whether that be in my life or the life of others.

IS THERE A SONG OR MUSICAL PASSAGE THAT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE YOU?
"Oceans" by Hillsong. Also, "Lost Ones" by J. Cole. Both are so powerful in different ways. "Oceans" feeds my spirit and gives me life every morning while I worship, while lost ones is a beautifully written story that makes me feel real emotion every time I hear it.

WHAT OR WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
Nas, most definitely takes the credit. I spent a moment in my life literally studying his music. I would repeat songs over and over and try to break down his lyrics, his flow, his story telling and would write everything I learned down on paper. I might’ve been obsessive.

WHAT’S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
Now, while being a bit busy, it's been difficult to find one process that always works. However, being around other passionate and driven creatives always fuels the fire for me.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
With the people I love. I get busy but I always try to make time for my people. To them I may seem discounted, just sitting in the same room with them makes me happy.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
After long days, I like to go to the gym, put my headphones on and get a good workout in. I’ve grown to love health and fitness. It is peaceful, but I still feel like I’m being productive.